Properties of Thermoplastic Natural Rubber (TPNR): Influence of Polypropylene Grades on TPNR Properties

Abstract:

Thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) based on natural rubber (NR) and polypropylene (PP) blends were successfully prepared through a dynamic vulcanization process using Brabender Plastograph EC Plus with a rotor speed of 60 rpm at 180°C. Sulfur vulcanization system was used to cure rubber phase in the TPVs. Three grades of PP (i.e., PP700J, HP553R and HP544T) were used to blend with NR at a fixed blend ratio of NR/PP = 60/40. The mechanical properties, crosslink density, complex viscosity and morphological properties of the blends were examined. The results revealed that the dynamically cured NR/PP700J samples showed the best mechanical properties because of higher crosslink density and smaller rubber particle size when compared with those of the blends combined with HP553R and HP544T. Furthermore, the complex viscosity of the TPVs was highest for the blends with PP700J.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 844)
• Pages: 127-130
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.844.127
• Online since: November 2013
• Authors: Chanida Manleh, Charoen Nakason, Natinee Lopattananon, Azizon Kaesaman
• Keywords: Dynamic Vulcanization, Natural Rubber (NR), Polypropylene (PP), Thermoplastic Vulcanizates

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